know
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++know1 /nəʊ $ noʊ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense knew /njuː $ nuː/, past participle known /nəʊn $ noʊn/) 1 have information 知道信息 [intransitive, transitive]KNOW something to have information about something 知道，了解 Who knows the answer? 谁知道答案？ There are instructions telling you everything you need to know. 操作指南会告诉你所有须知事项。 Didn’t you know that? 你不知道那件事吗？know what/how/where etc Do you know what time it is? 你知道现在几点吗？ I don’t know where to go. 我不知道去哪里。know (something/nothing etc) about something I need to know more about the job before I decide whether to apply for it. 我要对这份工作多加了解再决定是否申请。 Little is known about the author’s childhood. 这位作者的童年几乎不为人知。 I know all about David and what he’s been up to! 我对戴维和他一直在干什么都知道得一清二楚！know (something/nothing etc) of something I wonder if he knew of the plan? 我在想他是不是知道这个计划？ Do you know of any good restaurants in the area? 你知道这地方有什么好餐馆吗？ You know nothing of this business. 你对这个行业一无所知。know (that) We know that greenhouse gases can affect the climate. 我们知道温室气体会对气候产生影响。 Let me know (=tell me) what time you’re planning to arrive. 请告诉我你打算什么时候到。 I thought you’d want to know immediately. 我以为你想马上知道。 If you must know, I was with James last night (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something). 如果你非要知道的话，我昨晚是和詹姆斯在一起。without somebody/sb’s knowing He slipped out of the house without his parents knowing (=secretly). 他瞒着父母，偷偷溜出了家。 How did he know (=how did he find information about) our names? 他是怎么知道我们姓名的？as you/we know ‘I’m divorced, as you know, ’ she said briefly. “我离婚了，你知道的。”她简短地说道。be known to do something Smoking is known to increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. 人们知道，吸烟会增加罹患肺癌的风险。n GrammarIn more formal English, you say it is known that or it is known who/why/what etc: It is known that the drug causes infertility.It is not known how many people were killed.2 be sure 肯定 [intransitive, transitive]SURE to be sure about something 肯定，确定3 be familiar with SB/STH 熟悉某人/某物 [transitive]KNOW somebodyKNOW something to be familiar with a person, place etc 熟悉，了解4 realize 意识到 [intransitive, transitive]REALIZE to realize, find out about, or understand something 认识到，明白，懂得5 skill/experience 技巧/经验 [transitive]EXPERIENCE to have learned a lot about something or be skilful and experienced at doing something 精通，熟悉，懂得6 know SB’s qualities 了解某人的品质 [transitive] to think that someone has particular qualities 认为，知道〔某人具备某种品质〕7 know better 8 not know any better used to say that someone does something bad or stupid because they have not been told or taught that it is wrong 不明真相，不明就里〔因而做了坏事或傻事〕9 know something inside out (also know something backwards British English, know something backwards and forwards American English) to be very familiar with something, especially because you have learned about it or because you have a lot of experience 对某事了如指掌，对某事十分了解10 know your way around something 11 make yourself known (to somebody) formal to introduce yourself to someone (对某人)作自我介绍12 recognize 辨认出 [transitive]RECOGNIZE to be able to recognize someone or something 认出，认识，辨认出13 know somebody/something as something to have a particular name 把某人/某物称为…14 know something from something UNDERSTANDto understand the difference between one thing and another 分辨事物，知道事物间的差异15 experience 经验 [transitive]EXPERIENCE to have experience of a particular feeling or situation 经历，体验，知道16 somebody/something is not known to be something or somebody/something has never been known to do somethingNOT DO something used to say there is no information that someone or something has particular qualities 据说某人/某事物不是某种情况/不会做某事17 I’ve known somebody/something to do something or somebody/something has been known to do somethingSOMETIMES used to say that someone does something sometimes or that something happens sometimes, even if it is unusual 我知道某人做过某事/发生了某种情况〔尽管并不常见〕 SPOKEN PHRASES40 there’s no knowing NOT KNOWit is impossible to know 无从知道，难以预料41 let it be known/make it known (that) formal to make sure that people know something, especially by getting someone else to tell them 使人知道(…)，让人知晓(…)〔尤指通过别人传达〕42 not want to know British English informalREFUSE to not be interested in someone and what they want to say 不想知道，不感兴趣43 know the score informal to understand a situation and all the good and bad features about it 知道实情，了解真相44 not know what hit you informal to feel shocked and confused because something happens when you are not expecting it to 目瞪口呆，大为惊讶45 know your place used to say that someone understands that they are less important than other people – usually used humorously 有自知之明，知道自己位置何在〔一般为幽默用法〕46 know no bounds formal if a feeling or quality knows no bounds, it is not limited in any way 无止境，无穷无尽47 somebody knows best KNOW somethingused to say that someone should be obeyed or that their way of doing things should be accepted because they are experienced 某人最懂，某人最了解48 before you know it used to say that something happens very quickly and when you are not expecting it 转眼之间，一下子49 know different/otherwise informal to know that the opposite of something is true 知道并非如此50. know your own mind INDEPENDENT PERSONto be confident and have firm ideas about what you want and like 有自信，有自己的主见51 you will be delighted/pleased etc to know (that) formalHAPPY used before you give someone information that they will be pleased to hear 你要是知道(…)准会高兴的52 it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know itJim, but not as we know it it’s ... informal humorous used to say that something is completely different from what we would normally expect something of its type to be 那算是…，但不是我们所熟悉的那种 → the next thing I/she etc knew at next1(6)n GRAMMAR: Using the progressive• Know is not used in the progressive. You say: I know who that is.Do you know this song? ✗Don’t say: I’m knowing who that is. | Are you knowing this song?• However, the participle knowing is sometimes used: Knowing she would appreciate it, I offered to help.→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
know• I asked several people where Paul was, but no one knew.• He knew a lot about baseball, and about how to pick great players.• How much do you know about the Moore case?• I didn't know any of the songs they were singing.• Do you know any Polish?• Do you know anyone who can repair a boiler?• I don't know anything about football.• "Do you know Boston at all?" "Yes, I went to college there."• Ask Eric about your brakes - he knows cars.• Do you two know each other?• I knew he was ill, but I didn't realize he had cancer.• Everyone who knew her described her as a kind, generous person.• Although we worked for him for years, Cathy was the only one who knew him well.• Everyone knew immediately how serious the situation was.• As soon as the phone rang, we knew something terrible must have happened.• Do you know that Hitchcock movie about a man who is being chased?• Carol doesn't know the city very well yet.• Do you know where Andy is?• "Are you going home for Christmas?" "I don't know yet."• I just know your mother will love this necklace.be known to do something• The hormone is known to affect reproduction and gonadal function, and to have an influence on the growth of tumours.• Yet some companies are known to be keen to offer a wide fund choice from well regarded external fund managers.• They are known to counteract both the vasoconstriction and the enhanced platelet aggregation present in the initial phase of migraine.• Many population dynamics models are known to exhibit chaos.• Joe never forged letters that were known to exist.• She is known to have helped the sick in the hospitals of Rome and to have given generously to the needy.• Five other fighters are known to have tested positive.• Watanabe was known to take a more hawkish line than his predecessors on defence issues.you never know• He might say yes. You never know.• I'd love to be a doctor, but you have to be very clever for that. Still, you never know.• I don't think I'll ever get married, but you never know.• You never know, Paul might love it.• Why don't you ask for a raise? You never know, they could say yes.knowing somebody/if I know somebody• In retrospect, knowing what I know now, I guess he wanted to make up for what happened during the war.knew nothing of• He knew nothing of her trip to Bath, and supposed she had only been to visit Liddy.• The new Welf candidate was Otto, brother of the count Palatine Henry, a man who knew nothing of imperial affairs.• He knew nothing of Odysseus; they had not left Troy together and no word of him had reached Nestor since.• I told him I knew nothing of that.• Smith knew nothing of the idea of organic evolution that Charles Darwin was to enunciate some decades later.• Codinha said he had no evidence to dispute the Clintons' assertion that they knew nothing of the missing records' whereabouts.• I knew nothing of what had been growing between them in the mails.• She knew nothing of Wuthering Heights or Heathcliff.knows a thing or two• Dave Wood was our 1991 Aquachamp and knows a thing or two about fish.• He also knows a thing or two about golf.never known ... to• I have never known any conductor to accept a tip, to their credit.• In her lifetime she was never known to cry, never known to complain.• All her magic was used to help the people, and she was never known to hurt anyone who was good.• This country has never known what to make of the District of Columbia.• Ezra had never known him to take or even talk about such chances.• Jay had never known it to work for more than weeks.know2 noun in the know informalKNOW something having more information about something than most people 知情的，熟知内情的 People in the know say that interest rates will have to rise again soon. 知情人士说，利率将很快再次上升。Origin know1 Old English cnawanknow1 verb →10-19 →20-30
→n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →SPOKEN PHRASES1know2 nounLDOCE OnlineChinese
→n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →SPOKEN PHRASES1know2 nounLDOCE OnlineChinese
Corpus have about something information to
know
know1 S1 W1 /nəʊ $ noʊ/ 
verb (past tense knew /njuː $ nuː/, past participle known /nəʊn $ noʊn/)
Who knows the answer?
There are instructions telling you everything you need to know.
Didn’t you know that?
know what/how/where etc
Do you know what time it is?
I don’t know where to go.
know (something/nothing etc) about something
I need to know more about the job before I decide whether to apply for it.
Little is known about the author’s childhood.
I know all about David and what he’s been up to!
know (something/nothing etc) of something
I wonder if he knew of the plan?
Do you know of any good restaurants in the area?
You know nothing of this business.
know (that)
We know that greenhouse gases can affect the climate.
Let me know (=tell me) what time you’re planning to arrive.
I thought you’d want to know immediately.
If you must know , I was with James last night (=used when you are angry because someone wants to know something).
without somebody/sb’s knowing
He slipped out of the house without his parents knowing (=secretly).
How did he know (=how did he find information about) our names?
as you/we know
‘I’m divorced, as you know,’ she said briefly.
be known to do something
Smoking is known to increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.
2. BE SURE [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to be sure about something:
‘Are you seeing Jim tomorrow?’ ‘I don’t know yet.’
know (that)
I know I won’t get the job.
Ruth knew that she couldn’t continue in the relationship for much longer.
know what/why/how etc
I know exactly what you need!
know if/whether
The boy stared at him uncertainly, not knowing whether to believe him.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to come.
knowing (that)
She forced herself to go out, knowing that she would feel more depressed if she stayed at home.
How do you know (=what makes you sure) he won’t do it again?
know somebody/something to be something
It’s a story that I know to be true.
I think he’s still living in Chicago, but I don’t know for sure.
As far as I know , they’re arriving on Saturday (=used when you think something is true but are not sure).
I doubt I’ll win, but you never know (=used when you cannot be sure about something, but something good might happen).
3. BE FAMILIAR WITH SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive not in progressive] to be familiar with a person, place etc:
I’ve known her for twenty years.
Are you really thinking of leaving Kevin for a guy you barely know?
Do you know the nightclub on the corner of Maine Street?
I don’t know him very well.
We’re still getting to know each other really.
know somebody from something
I know her from school.
know somebody as something
Many people knew him as a local businessman.
Hepburn is best known for (=people are most likely to be familiar with) her roles in classic films such as ‘My Fair Lady’.
The museum outlines the development of the city as we know it today.
Does he know the way to your house (=know how to get there)?
I grew up here; I know the place like the back of my hand (=I know it very well).
I only know her by sight (=I often see her but have not really spoken to her).
She didn’t know me from Adam (=she did not know me at all), but she was really helpful.
knowing somebody/if I know somebody (=used to say that you expect someone to behave in a particular way because you know them well)
Knowing Sumi, my note’s probably still in her pocket.
He’ll be chatting up the women, if I know Ron!
4. REALIZE [intransitive and transitive] to realize, find out about, or understand something:
Hardly knowing what he was doing, Nick pulled out a cigarette.
She knew the risks involved.
know (that)
Suddenly she knew that something was terribly wrong.
know how/what/why etc
I didn’t know how difficult it would be.
know to do something
She knows not to tell anyone.
(do you) know what I mean? (=used to ask if someone understands or has the same feeling as you)
It’s nice to have a change sometimes. Know what I mean?
if you know what I mean
Sometimes it’s better not to ask too many questions, if you know what I mean.
‘I just felt so tired.' ‘Yeah, I know what you mean.’ (=I understand, because I have had the same experience).
I should have known it wouldn’t be easy.
I might have known (=I am annoyed but not surprised) you would take that attitude.
know exactly/precisely
I know exactly how you feel.
know perfectly well/full well/only too well
He knew full well that what he was doing was dangerous.
somebody will never know/no one will ever know
Just take it. No one will ever know.
‘That’s not what I mean, and you know it,’ he protested.
if I had known/if I’d have known
I wouldn’t have come if I’d known you were so busy.
Little did she know (=she did not know) that years later she would have her own pool and luxury apartment in Florida.
She knew nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
5. SKILL/EXPERIENCE [transitive not in progressive] to have learned a lot about something or be skilful and experienced at doing something:
I don’t know enough history to make a comparison.
I taught him everything he knows.
I know some French.
know how to do something
Do you know how to change a fuse?
know about
I have a friend who knows about antiques.
Bessie knew nothing about football.
Politicians know all about the power of language.
I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
I don’t really know what I’m doing (=I do not have enough skill and experience to deal with something) when it comes to cars.
The staff are dedicated people who clearly know what they are talking about.
She knew from experience that exams made her very nervous.
know your job/subject/stuff (=be good at and know all you should about a job or subject)
a decent manager who knows the ropes (=has a lot of experience)
My cousin knows a thing or two (=knows a lot) about golf.
know a song/tune/poem etc (=be able to sing a song, play a tune, say a poem etc because you have learned it)
Do you know all the words to ‘As Time Goes By’?
6. KNOW SB’S QUALITIES [transitive not in progressive] to think that someone has particular qualities
know somebody as something
I knew him as a hard-working, modest, and honest politician.
know somebody for something
In fact, I knew her for a tough-minded young woman.
7. know better
a. to be wise or experienced enough not to do something:
It’s just prejudice from educated people who should know better.
Eva knew better than to interrupt one of Mark’s jokes.
b. to know or think you know more than someone else:
Everyone thought it was an accident. Only Dan knew better.
8. not know any better used to say that someone does something bad or stupid because they have not been told or taught that it is wrong:
Drugs are being sold to children who don’t know any better.
9. know something inside out (also know something backwards British English, know something backwards and forwards American English) to be very familiar with something, especially because you have learned about it or because you have a lot of experience:
Erikson knows the game inside out.
10. know your way around something
a. to be so familiar with something that you are confident and good at using it:
She knows her way around a wine list.
b. to be familiar with a place so that you know where things are:
I don’t know my way around the city yet.
11. make yourself known (to somebody) formal to introduce yourself to someone:
After she had gone, Paul made himself known to Dr Heatherton.
12. RECOGNIZE [transitive] to be able to recognize someone or something:
Honestly, it had been so long, I hardly knew her.
know somebody/something by something
He looked very different, but I knew him by his voice.
13. know somebody/something as something to have a particular name:
The main street between the castle and the palace is known as ‘the Royal Mile’.
Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas.
14. know something from something to understand the difference between one thing and another:
Lloyd doesn’t even know his right from his left.
At what age do children start to know right from wrong?
15. EXPERIENCE [transitive] to have experience of a particular feeling or situation:
I don’t think he ever knew true happiness.
know about
I know all about being poor.
I’ve never known (=have never experienced) this to happen in all the time I’ve worked here.
I’ve never known him to shout (=he never shouts).
16. somebody/something is not known to be something or somebody/something has never been known to do something used to say there is no information that someone or something has particular qualities:
This species is not known to be vicious.
17. I’ve known somebody/something to do something or somebody/something has been known to do something used to say that someone does something sometimes or that something happens sometimes, even if it is unusual:
People have been known to drive 500 miles just to visit the shop.
This type of fish has been known to live for 10 years or more.
SPOKEN PHRASES
18. you know
a. used to emphasize a statement:
There’s no excuse, you know.
b. used to make sure that someone understands what you are saying:
I felt very upset, you know?
c. used when you want to keep someone’s attention, but cannot think of what to say next:
Well, you know, we’ve got a job to do here.
d. used when you are explaining or describing something and want to give more information:
That flower in the garden – you know, the purple one – what is it?
19. you know/do you know used to start talking about something, or make someone listen:
You know, I sometimes feel I don’t know him at all.
Do you know, when I went out this morning that man was still there.
(do) you know what/something?
You know what? I think he’s lonely.
20. I know
a. used to agree with someone or to say that you feel the same way:
‘We have to talk about it, Rob.’ ‘Yeah, I know.’
b. used to say that you have suddenly had an idea, thought of a solution to a problem etc:
I know! Let’s go out for a meal on your birthday.
c. used to stop someone from interrupting because they have an opinion about what you are saying:
It sounds silly, I know, but I will explain.
I know, I know, I should have had the car checked out before now.
21. I don’t know
a. used to say that you do not have the answer to a question:
‘When did they arrive?’ ‘I don’t know.’
b. used when you are not sure about something:
‘How old do you think he is?’ ‘Oh, I don’t know – sixty, seventy?’
I don’t know what/how/whether etc
I don’t know whether to call him.
I don’t know that
I don’t know that you need a passport for travelling within the EU.
c. used to show that you disagree slightly with what has just been said:
‘I couldn’t live there.’ ‘Oh, I don’t know. It might not be so bad.’
d. British English used to show that you are slightly annoyed:
Oh, I don’t know! You’re hopeless!
22. I don’t know how/why etc used to criticize someone:
I don’t know how people could keep an animal in those conditions.
23. I don’t know about you, but ... used to give your opinion, decision, or suggestion when you are not sure that the person you are talking to will feel the same way:
I don’t know about you, but I’ll be glad when Christmas is over.
24. I don’t know how to thank you/repay you used to thank someone
25. wouldn’t you know (it) used to say that something is not at all surprising:
I was told in no uncertain terms that Helen, wouldn’t you know it, didn’t approve.
26. you don’t know used to emphasize how strong your feelings are:
You don’t know how much I missed him.
27. I wouldn’t know used to say that you do not know the answer to something and that you are not the person who would know
28. what does somebody know? used to say angrily that someone’s opinion is wrong or that it is not important:
What does she know about relationships?
29. how should I know?/how am I to know?/how do I know? used to say that it is not reasonable to expect that you should know something:
‘When will they be back?’ ‘How should I know?’
30. how was I to know?/how did I know? used as an excuse when something bad has happened:
How was I to know that the file was confidential?
31. be not to know British English used to say that you do not mind that someone has made a mistake because they could not have avoided it:
‘Sorry, I didn’t realize you had guests.’ ‘That’s all right – you weren’t to know.’
32. I ought to know used to emphasize that you know about something because you made it, experienced it etc:
‘Are you sure there’s no sugar in this coffee?’ ‘Of course. I ought to know – I made it!’
33. for all I know used to emphasize that you do not know something and say that it is not important to you:
I don’t know where she is. She could have been kidnapped for all I know.
34. not that I know of used to say that you think the answer is ‘no’ but there may be facts that you do not know about:
‘Did he call earlier?’ ‘Not that I know of.’
35. Heaven/God/who/goodness knows!
a. used to say that you do not know the answer to a question:
‘Where do you think he’s disappeared to this time?’ ‘God knows!’
Goodness knows why she didn’t go herself.
b. used to emphasize a statement:
Goodness knows, I’ve never liked the woman, but I didn’t know how bad it would be to work with her.
36. knowing my luck used to say that you expect something bad will happen because you are usually unlucky:
Knowing my luck, the train will be late.
37. (well,) what do you know? used to express surprise:
Well, what do you know? Look who’s here!
38. if you know what’s good for you used to tell someone that they should do something, or something bad will happen:
You’ll keep your mouth shut about this if you know what’s good for you!
39. you know who/what used to talk about someone or something without mentioning their name:
I saw you know who yesterday.
40. there’s no knowing it is impossible to know:
There was no knowing who might have read the letter.
41. let it be known/make it known (that) formal to make sure that people know something, especially by getting someone else to tell them:
Farrar let it be known that he saw nothing wrong with the proposed solutions.
42. not want to know British English informal to not be interested in someone and what they want to say:
She’d approached several model agencies but they just didn’t want to know.
43. know the score informal to understand a situation and all the good and bad features about it:
I knew the score before I started the job.
44. not know what hit you informal to feel shocked and confused because something happens when you are not expecting it to:
Poor man – I don’t think he knew what hit him.
45. know your place used to say that someone understands that they are less important than other people – usually used humorously:
I know my place. I’ll get back to the kitchen!
46. know no bounds formal if a feeling or quality knows no bounds, it is not limited in any way:
His enthusiasm knew no bounds.
47. somebody knows best used to say that someone should be obeyed or that their way of doing things should be accepted because they are experienced:
She always thinks she knows best.
I have always hated the attitude that ‘the doctor knows best’.
48. before you know it used to say that something happens very quickly and when you are not expecting it:
You’ll be home before you know it.
49. know different/otherwise informal to know that the opposite of something is true:
He told people he didn’t care about her, but deep down he knew different.
50. know your own mind to be confident and have firm ideas about what you want and like
51. you will be delighted/pleased etc to know (that) formal used before you give someone information that they will be pleased to hear:
You will be pleased to know that we have accepted your offer.
52. it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know it informal humorous used to say that something is completely different from what we would normally expect something of its type to be:
It’s the blues, Jim, but not as we know it.
⇨ the next thing I/she etc knew at next1(6)
▪ know to recognize someone or something. Know is often used in everyday English instead of recognize: How do you know that it is real gold? | I know him from somewhere. | I can’t remember his name, but I know his face.
▪can tell to be able to recognize someone or something: I could tell that it was him by his voice. | Can you tell that it’s not real leather? | It’s difficult to be able to tell them apart (=to recognize that they are different).
know2 noun
in the know informal having more information about something than most people:
People in the know say that interest rates will have to rise again soon.
▪ sure adjective believing that something is definitely true or correct: I’m sure that you’re right. | ‘The car was a BMW’ ‘Are you sure?’ | I’m not sure what the best thing to do is.
▪certain adjective completely sure. Certain is more formal than sure, and it is very commonly used in writing: The police were certain that they had found the killer. | I think he’s married, but I’m not certain about it.
▪convinced adjective sure that something is true, even though you cannot prove it: She became convinced that her boyfriend was seeing someone else. | Brown’s wife was convinced of his innocence.
▪positive adjective especially spoken completely sure that something is true, especially when other people are not sure: She said she was positive that the exam was next Tuesday. | I’m absolutely positive I haven’t made a mistake.
▪satisfied adjective sure that you know the truth about something that has happened, because you have enough information: The authorities are now satisfied that her death was an accident.
▪confident adjective sure that something good will happen or that you will achieve something: Doctors are confident that he’ll make a full recovery. | A spokesman said the government was confident of winning the vote.
▪have no doubt (also be in no doubt ) verb phrase to have no doubts in your mind about something: I have no doubt that his story is true. | He was in no doubt about what he should do next.
▪know verb to have a strong feeling that something is true or correct: I just know that she will love this necklace. | When the phone rang, we knew something terrible must have happened.
| I |
verb (past tense knew /njuː $ nuː/, past participle known /nəʊn $ noʊn/) Word Family: adjective: knowing, knowledgeable, known ≠ unknown; noun: knowledge, the unknown; adverb: knowingly ≠ unknowingly, knowledgeably; verb: know
Language: Old English
Origin: cnawan
1. HAVE INFORMATION [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to have information about something:Origin: cnawan
know what/how/where etc
know (something/nothing etc) about something
know (something/nothing etc) of something
know (that)
without somebody/sb’s knowing
as you/we know
be known to do something
2. BE SURE [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to be sure about something:
know (that)
know what/why/how etc
know if/whether
knowing (that)
know somebody/something to be something
3. BE FAMILIAR WITH SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive not in progressive] to be familiar with a person, place etc:
know somebody from something
know somebody as something
knowing somebody/if I know somebody (=used to say that you expect someone to behave in a particular way because you know them well)
4. REALIZE [intransitive and transitive] to realize, find out about, or understand something:
know (that)
know how/what/why etc
know to do something
(do you) know what I mean? (=used to ask if someone understands or has the same feeling as you)
if you know what I mean
know exactly/precisely
know perfectly well/full well/only too well
somebody will never know/no one will ever know
if I had known/if I’d have known
5. SKILL/EXPERIENCE [transitive not in progressive] to have learned a lot about something or be skilful and experienced at doing something:
know how to do something
know about
know your job/subject/stuff (=be good at and know all you should about a job or subject)
know a song/tune/poem etc (=be able to sing a song, play a tune, say a poem etc because you have learned it)
6. KNOW SB’S QUALITIES [transitive not in progressive] to think that someone has particular qualities
know somebody as something
know somebody for something
7. know better
a. to be wise or experienced enough not to do something:
b. to know or think you know more than someone else:
8. not know any better used to say that someone does something bad or stupid because they have not been told or taught that it is wrong:
9. know something inside out (also know something backwards British English, know something backwards and forwards American English) to be very familiar with something, especially because you have learned about it or because you have a lot of experience:
10. know your way around something
a. to be so familiar with something that you are confident and good at using it:
b. to be familiar with a place so that you know where things are:
11. make yourself known (to somebody) formal to introduce yourself to someone:
12. RECOGNIZE [transitive] to be able to recognize someone or something:
know somebody/something by something
13. know somebody/something as something to have a particular name:
14. know something from something to understand the difference between one thing and another:
15. EXPERIENCE [transitive] to have experience of a particular feeling or situation:
know about
16. somebody/something is not known to be something or somebody/something has never been known to do something used to say there is no information that someone or something has particular qualities:
17. I’ve known somebody/something to do something or somebody/something has been known to do something used to say that someone does something sometimes or that something happens sometimes, even if it is unusual:
SPOKEN PHRASES
18. you know
a. used to emphasize a statement:
b. used to make sure that someone understands what you are saying:
c. used when you want to keep someone’s attention, but cannot think of what to say next:
d. used when you are explaining or describing something and want to give more information:
19. you know/do you know used to start talking about something, or make someone listen:
(do) you know what/something?
20. I know
a. used to agree with someone or to say that you feel the same way:
b. used to say that you have suddenly had an idea, thought of a solution to a problem etc:
c. used to stop someone from interrupting because they have an opinion about what you are saying:
21. I don’t know
a. used to say that you do not have the answer to a question:
b. used when you are not sure about something:
I don’t know what/how/whether etc
I don’t know that
c. used to show that you disagree slightly with what has just been said:
d. British English used to show that you are slightly annoyed:
22. I don’t know how/why etc used to criticize someone:
23. I don’t know about you, but ... used to give your opinion, decision, or suggestion when you are not sure that the person you are talking to will feel the same way:
24. I don’t know how to thank you/repay you used to thank someone
25. wouldn’t you know (it) used to say that something is not at all surprising:
26. you don’t know used to emphasize how strong your feelings are:
27. I wouldn’t know used to say that you do not know the answer to something and that you are not the person who would know
28. what does somebody know? used to say angrily that someone’s opinion is wrong or that it is not important:
29. how should I know?/how am I to know?/how do I know? used to say that it is not reasonable to expect that you should know something:
30. how was I to know?/how did I know? used as an excuse when something bad has happened:
31. be not to know British English used to say that you do not mind that someone has made a mistake because they could not have avoided it:
32. I ought to know used to emphasize that you know about something because you made it, experienced it etc:
33. for all I know used to emphasize that you do not know something and say that it is not important to you:
34. not that I know of used to say that you think the answer is ‘no’ but there may be facts that you do not know about:
35. Heaven/God/who/goodness knows!
a. used to say that you do not know the answer to a question:
b. used to emphasize a statement:
36. knowing my luck used to say that you expect something bad will happen because you are usually unlucky:
37. (well,) what do you know? used to express surprise:
38. if you know what’s good for you used to tell someone that they should do something, or something bad will happen:
39. you know who/what used to talk about someone or something without mentioning their name:
40. there’s no knowing it is impossible to know:
41. let it be known/make it known (that) formal to make sure that people know something, especially by getting someone else to tell them:
42. not want to know British English informal to not be interested in someone and what they want to say:
43. know the score informal to understand a situation and all the good and bad features about it:
44. not know what hit you informal to feel shocked and confused because something happens when you are not expecting it to:
45. know your place used to say that someone understands that they are less important than other people – usually used humorously:
46. know no bounds formal if a feeling or quality knows no bounds, it is not limited in any way:
47. somebody knows best used to say that someone should be obeyed or that their way of doing things should be accepted because they are experienced:
48. before you know it used to say that something happens very quickly and when you are not expecting it:
49. know different/otherwise informal to know that the opposite of something is true:
50. know your own mind to be confident and have firm ideas about what you want and like
51. you will be delighted/pleased etc to know (that) formal used before you give someone information that they will be pleased to hear:
52. it’s ... , Jim, but not as we know it informal humorous used to say that something is completely different from what we would normally expect something of its type to be:
⇨ the next thing I/she etc knew at next1(6)
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nounin the know informal having more information about something than most people:
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◆ I really don't know. 我确实不知道。 ◆ I'm afraid I don't have the faintest idea. 很抱歉，我一点都不知道。 ◆ Sorry, I have absolutely no idea. 对不起，我完全不知道。 ◆ Has anyone left a message? No, not to my knowledge/not as far as I know. 有谁留过言吗？没有，据我所知没有。 ◆ Well, that's a good question. 嗯，这是一个很好的问题。 ◆ Yes, that's an interesting point/idea. 是的，这观点很有意思。 ◆ Well, let me see… 好吧，让我想一想… ◆ Let me think about that for a moment. 让我想一下。
◆ Could you tell me the best way to get to Paddington station, please?您能告诉我去帕丁顿车站的最佳路线吗？ ◆ Do you happen to know whether Amy Brown works here?你可知道艾米 · 布朗是否在这里工作？ ◆ I wonder whether/if you can help me. I'm trying to find out which number to call for reservations.不知道您能否帮帮我，我想知道打哪个号码可以预订。
identify to be able to say who or what sb/sth is 指确认、认出、鉴定 ：◆ She was able to identify her attacker. 她认出了袭击她的人。 know to be able to say who or what sth is when you see or hear it because you have seen or heard it before 指能认出、能辨认出 NOTE Know is used especially to talk about sounds that seem familiar and when sb recognizes the quality or opportunity that sb/sth represents.* know 尤指认出熟悉的声音、辨别出人或事物所表现出的特质以及发现机会 ：◆ I couldn't see who was speaking, but I knew the voice. 我看不到谁在讲话，但我能辨别出声音。 ◆ She knows a bargain when she sees one. 她一看就知道有没有便宜可捡。 recognize to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them/it, because you have seen or heard them/it before 指认识、认出、辨别出 ：◆ I recognized him as soon as he came in the room. 他一进屋我就认出了他。 name to say the name of sb/sth in order to show that you know who/what they are 指能说出…的名称、叫出…的名字 ：◆ The victim has not yet been named. 受害人的姓名仍未得知。 make sb/sth out to manage to see or hear sb/sth that is not very clear 指看清、听清、分清、辨认清楚 ：◆ I could just make out a figure in the darkness. 黑暗中我只看出了一个人的轮廓。
Patterns
to identify/know/recognize sb/sth by sthto identify/recognize/name sb/sth as sb/sthto identify/know/recognize/make out who/what/how… to easily/barely/just identify/recognize/make out sb/sth
identify to be able to say who or what sb/sth is 指确认、认出、鉴定 ：◆ She was able to identify her attacker. 她认出了袭击她的人。 know to be able to say who or what sth is when you see or hear it because you have seen or heard it before 指能认出、能辨认出 NOTE Know is used especially to talk about sounds that seem familiar and when sb recognizes the quality or opportunity that sb/sth represents.* know 尤指认出熟悉的声音、辨别出人或事物所表现出的特质以及发现机会 ：◆ I couldn't see who was speaking, but I knew the voice. 我看不到谁在讲话，但我能辨别出声音。 ◆ She knows a bargain when she sees one. 她一看就知道有没有便宜可捡。 recognize to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them/it, because you have seen or heard them/it before 指认识、认出、辨别出 ：◆ I recognized him as soon as he came in the room. 他一进屋我就认出了他。 name to say the name of sb/sth in order to show that you know who/what they are 指能说出…的名称、叫出…的名字 ：◆ The victim has not yet been named. 受害人的姓名仍未得知。 make sb/sth out to manage to see or hear sb/sth that is not very clear 指看清、听清、分清、辨认清楚 ：◆ I could just make out a figure in the darkness. 黑暗中我只看出了一个人的轮廓。
Patterns
to identify/know/recognize sb/sth by sthto identify/recognize/name sb/sth as sb/sthto identify/know/recognize/make out who/what/how… to easily/barely/just identify/recognize/make out sb/sth
especially
often